I’ve been told that I’m not likely to be tested for the brca genes because I have no family history of cancer that I know of.
I found out yesterday from my breast care nurse that one of my breast cancers (I had one in each breast at the same time) is triple neg.
I understand that this means I may have the faulty gene but she said I wouldn’t be tested.
I did point out that I have no way of knowing what the history of cancer is on my fathers side at all. I do know my fathers mother died young but not what of. He is still alive but we haven’t been in touch since I was 15 as he was abusive and I’m not inclined to get in touch with him now, I’d actually rather live with the doubt to be honest.
Does anyone know if I should be tested? Breast care nurse said the chances were so low in my case that it basically wasn’t worth it.
The triple neg lump was 35mm, grade 3 and I’m 33 in case that has any bearing.
Is it possible to get the brca genes from your fathers side? Should I be concerned about this?
I don’t get to meet my onc for another 4 weeks but I will be asking lots and lots of questions and wondered if I should push for this test.
Angie,
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
Yes, you can get BRCA genes from your father’s side. If I were you I would definitely push for the test. Bilateral breast cancer, your age and being triple negative are all risk factors for there being a genetic element in your diagnosis, which doesn’t mean that you should definitely worry but personally I would rather know for sure. Your breast care nurse doesn’t sound very clued up and hopefully the oncologist will be able to answer your questions.
Good luck and take care,
Zoe x x
Genetic testing isn’t usually offered to people who do not have a family history of certain cancers such as breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic. In my case, I had breast, my mum ovarian, maternal grandmother breast and her sister pancreatic. I was tested for a BRCA mutation and was found to have a mutation of the BRCA 2 gene. BRCA mutations can be passed down the male line so it may be worth finding out what male and female members of your family died of. ( you can buy death certificates online from the GRO ) Triple negative cancers are not indicative of a BRCA mutation, some are but most aren’t. Only about 2-5% of breast cancers are genetic. I have to say I agree with your breast care nurse that your chances of being tested are low though its worth asking the question. I suggest you try and build up a family tree of members who have had cancer to strengthen your case.
Interestingly I’m the only female of this generation on my Fathers side too.
I think I may have to go get those death certificates.
Was interested in tracing y family tree that side but this wasn’t what I had in mind as the motivation I must admit
I’ve already decided I don’t want kids so removal or ovaries is an OK option for me but it’d bee good to know what I’m looking at and weight that into the equation.
I am so sorry you are triple negative as it seems to make the cancer more difficult to treat and it sounds really hard trying to trace any gene abnormalities within your family. I hope that you manage to get the death certificates. How are you doing with your treatments?
I am 33 brac1 and my sister was triple negative and brac1 as well. She was got it when she was 33 and sadly passed away last march. We got it from my dad’s side of the family and only found out as my dad’s sister died of ovarian cancer before she was 50 and Nottingham genetics noticed we had bc and ovarian in our family.
I think it would certainly be usefull to know as it is safer to have a double mastectomy and ovaries removed before 40. You probably already know but by removing the ovaries it reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and also reduces the risk of bc but I’m sure your oncologists would know what was best for you.
I hope you manage to get all the information you need. Sometimes I thik that NHS just can’t be arsed to look into it!
